Theatre Review : The Secret Life of Girls
Better Than Broadway loves to get theatre reviews from the local community. Our veteran reviewer, Kathryn, has written another one for us. She recently attended the Dallas Children’s Theatre’s production of “The Secret Life of Girls“.
Drop all preconceived notions you might have about children’s theatre; especially if you are from out of town. The Dallas area is holding to a high standard for quality children’s theatre, these days. But, I was still hesitant to be going to the Dallas Children’s Theater to see “the Secret Life of Girls”; the idea of perky girls, and giggling is not my idea of art. Then I read the disclaimer about it being for mature audiences and that a discussion would follow. Now, they had my attention.
Sunday’s first matinée was a packed house, and it was hot, literally. The air conditioning system did not seem to be in working order. I am sure two thirds of the audience didn’t notice; young girls do not suffer from the same heat issues as do many of us more mature females. I was worried that between the roar of small voices and the temperature I was about to have less than memorable experience. Then the revelation: the uncomfortable air and the uncomfortable seats were preparing me to unlock an uncomfortable secret that numerous girls, ladies, and women allover the world share, the sisterhood of the wounded.
This shocking and boldly written play is short and to the point. Patiently sit through the first fifteen minutes of the above mentioned perky girl, giggly opening, it gets better, much better. The barren set design and the instant use of technology is a splendid back-drop for this play and declares the atmosphere immediately. As a matter of fact, the screen shots are like having an aside without an actor present. The video game generation will feel right at home on this set.
This is a dual cast; so I cannot say anything about the ones I did not experience for myself. The young ladies performing at the early matinée Sunday know their business and announce vividly that this is their residence. They carry a mature confidence for such young ladies, very admirable. Bravo! Brilliant job ladies.
Enjoy this production for what it is. Remember, reality is right behind you in life and in art. Take every female you know to see this play, then go somewhere and talk. It is a candid, stark, and artistically brutal look at bullying, peer pressure, self-abuse, and finding ones own value. Overall, this is a respectable, deliberate and quality production. Thank you Dallas Children’s Theater and the Rosewood Center for Family Arts for a fine and informative event.
Kathryn
Dallas Children’s Theater
5938 Skillman
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 978-0110
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